5 active batsmen with the highest average in Test cricket

Test cricket is the ultimate representation of the gentleman's game. It is a format that has thrived for more than 140 years, and it tests the skills of a batsman to the fullest.

If there is one yardstick that can truly measure the effectiveness of a batsman, it is his average. The batting average of a player provides an insight into his ability to adapt to different conditions and thrive against a variety of bowling attacks. It also gives a measure of his consistency, as a higher average implies a better ability to perform day-in and day-out.

Cricket fans all around the world will forever remember the number 99.94. That is the average of the ultimate batting machine the sport has ever seen - Sir Don Bradman. It is this surreal batting average that catapults him to a pedestal that other mortals cannot even dream of reaching.

There are plenty of modern batsmen who have achieved quite a high average, even if they haven't touched Bradman-esque heights. Here, let us look at five active batsmen with the highest average in Test cricket.

#5 Joe Root - 48.94

Joe Root has already established himself as the rock of the England batting line-up

At No. 5 comes English batting sensation Joe Root. The captain of the England team has played 151 innings in his Test career so far, and has scored 6,803 runs at an average of 48.94, including 42 fifties and 16 hundreds.

Root's ability to pick the line early, and his ability to transfer his weight on either foot with ease, makes him a joy to watch. Moreover, he is just 28 years old, and has plenty of cricket left in him.

If Root can continue in the same vein, he will soon etch his name in the pantheon of England batting greats.

Also see - Live cricket score

#4 Cheteshwar Pujara - 51.19

Cheteshwar Pujara

Seeing Cheteshwar Pujara bat is like seeing a monk at work. His seemingly unbreachable defense and his unwavering concentration make him one of the toughest batsmen to dismiss.

Pujara has featured in 114 innings for India so far, and has scored 5426 runs at a healthy average of 51.19, including 18 fifties and 20 hundreds. He is also seen by many as the heir to the legendary Rahul Dravid at the crucial No. 3 position.

#3 Kane Williamson - 53.38

Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson resembles a silent warrior who goes about his business in his own inimitable way. His game is replete with splendid strokes right out of the coaching manual, and he is undoubtedly the lynchpin of the New Zealand batting line-up today.

Williamson has featured in 127 innings for New Zealand in Tests and scored 6139 runs at an average of 53.38, including 20 hundreds and 30 fifties.

#2 Virat Kohli - 53.76

Virat Kohli

Taking second place is Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli. The Indian skipper has been plundering bowling attacks at will in all conditions. He is touted by many as the best batsman of the modern era, and is a youth icon for millions of fans across the globe.

Kohli has featured in 131 innings for India so far in Tests and scored 6,613 runs at an average of 53.76, including 25 hundreds and 20 fifties. He is seen by many as the man who can take the legacy of the great Sachin Tendulkar forward.

#1 Steven Smith - 62.96

Steven's Smith's batting average almost ranges on the verge of absurdity.

Steven Smith’s average borders on the verge of absurdity. From the 119 innings that he has played in Tests so far, Smith has accumulated 6,485 runs, including 25 hundreds and 24 fifties, at an astounding average of 62.96.

To put things into perspective, Smith’s average is the second highest in the history of Test cricket - after the incomparable Don Bradman. His average is also nine points higher than the second-placed Kohli.

Smith's ability to pick the length early coupled with his impeccable hand-eye coordination make him an absolute nightmare to bowl to. And at just 29 years of age, he has time on his side as well.

If the Aussie can continue in the same vein, he will establish himself as one of the greatest Australian batsmen to ever don the whites.